Former Representative Mike Rogers is campaigning for the Senate in Michigan, aiming to turn a blue seat red in a crucial race that could determine control of the Senate. Rogers is pushing a populist message, emphasizing the economic struggles of working-class Michiganders. He claims to be fighting for those “living paycheck to paycheck,” stating, “We’re going to have their back after November — folks living paycheck to paycheck…they know it.”
Rogers’ message is resonating with some voters, particularly those struggling financially. He highlights his own childhood struggles and connects with those facing similar challenges. He even shared a story of a mother of four who attended a rally, crying because she could not afford to feed her family. “That’s heartbreaking,” Rogers said. “This is her first go around — as she would say — as a Republican.”
However, Rogers’ message has been met with skepticism from Democrats. They accuse him of prioritizing personal gain over the needs of the people, citing his past work with corporations and his decision to leave Michigan for lucrative opportunities. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson, Tommy Garcia, said, “Revolving door Mike Rogers has shown he’s only fighting for himself: he ditched Michigan to go through the ‘revolving door’ in order to get rich and cash out working for companies tied to China, Saudi Arabia, and mega corporations.”
The race is proving to be tight, with polls showing a close contest between Rogers and incumbent Democrat Elissa Slotkin. Rogers acknowledges the Democrats’ increased intensity in the campaign, attributing it to Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Biden as the Democratic nominee. While Rogers acknowledges the Democrats’ momentum, he insists that the numbers in his race have not changed significantly, remaining within the margin of error.
Rogers, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, easily won the Republican primary. Slotkin also secured a victory in the Democratic primary and has gained the support of the Michigan chapter of the AFL-CIO, a significant labor union. The race for the Michigan Senate seat promises to be a close one, with both candidates vying for the support of voters concerned about the economy and the future of the state.
